Aberdeen winger Jonny Hayes insists the Dons will not look back in anger after watching the collapse of their title bid.

Derek McInnes' side looked for much of the season like they were ready to topple Celtic from Scottish football's summit.

But a number of disappointing results allowed Ronny Deila's stuttering Hoops to regain the initiative at the top of the Ladbrokes Premiership.

Celtic - who hold a nine-point advantage and massive goal difference with four games to play - can all but seal their fifth straight crown if they beat Hearts at Tynecastle in Saturday's early kick-off.

But Hayes rejected suggestions the Pittodrie men will come to view this season as an opportunity missed after being forced to settle for second place.

Asked if Aberdeen had shot themselves in the foot, the Irishman hit back, saying: "Not at all. We've said from the start we can't affect other teams' results. We've just got to go out and do the best that we can do.

"Where we are at the minute is obviously the best that we can do.

"There were performances and games that we would like to have improved upon but there's no point (in saying) what could have been or what should have been.

"We can't affect that now so all we can do is look forward to the next game."

Third-placed Hearts can still catch Aberdeen - who are eight points ahead - but Hayes hopes his side can cement their position with victory at Motherwell.

However, Saturday's fixture will only bring back cruel memories for Hayes and his colleagues.

The last time the teams met last month, Aberdeen had been hoping to move top of the table.

But the Dons were rocked by the sight of Celtic scoring a last-gasp winner at Kilmarnock before their game at Fir Park kicked-off and were still spinning when Well hit back with two late goals to effectively kill off their title momentum with a 2-1 triumph.

Hayes, though, insists his side are not bitter, insisting: "There's no revenge to be had.

"But we can go and try to put things right for ourselves. We were 1-0 up down there and handed them two sloppy goals to hand them the game.

"That game had a big impact on our season but we've got four games left, starting with Motherwell and we'll see where that takes us."

Hayes has been Aberdeen's stand-out performer this year but the forward - recently handed his first Ireland cap by Martin O'Neill - admitted he was shocked after landing a nomination for PFA Scotland's player of the year award.

He said: "I'm a little bit surprised as you never know what other players are thinking but I'm delighted.

"To get a bit of recognition from other teams means you have done something right.

"It's been a good year. I never expected the Ireland cap either but the way the season has panned out it has definitely been the highlight for me.

"It's hard to say what the key has been this year. I always enjoy playing football. It's a job that you would do for free anyway. To get something like this nomination is a bonus."